The Louisiana Health Department reports over 12-hundred new cases and 54 additional deaths to bring our total COVID 19 cases to 5,237 and 239 deaths. Since the state is showing no signs of flattening the curve. Edwards have now requested double the hospital beds for the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Governor John Bel Edwards plans to extend his stay at home order until April 30th, which means schools will remain closed for at least the next month. The state has already waived standardized tests for this year, but what if school does not resume this year. How can you decide if a child should be promoted to the next grade or if they are eligible to graduate high school?  Edwards says the state department of education is trying to figure out those questions…
Cut 13 (07) “…young people”
The Bonnet Carre Spillway may be opened later this week due to forecasts of the river rising above flood stage.

Legislators returned to the state capitol today, introduced some bills and left about an hour later. It’s unclear when they’ll return. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says because of the uncertainty around the COVID-19 outbreak, they are not setting a return date
Cut 14 (11) “…come back”
The 2020 legislative session must conclude by June 1st and a budget must be approved by July 1st.
Due to Louisiana’s hotbed of COVID-19 cases, Texas’s Governor is attempting to mitigate the spread with a mandate requiring a quarantine for Louisiana travelers coming into the Lone Star State. Louisiana State Police Trooper Dustin Dwight says anyone who has a previously scheduled medical trip along with a few other exemption statuses can skip the quarantine.
Cut 8 (09) “…apply to them.”
Dwight adds that he has not heard about any checkpoints at the Texas line.

Governor John Bel Edwards plans to extend his stay at home order until April 30th, which means schools will remain closed for at least the next month. The academic year is scheduled to be completed in May. Edwards says acting state superintendent Beth Scioneaux is working to develop a plan

Cut 12 (10) “…of things”

Due to Louisiana’s hotbed of COVID-19 cases, Texas’s Governor is attempting to mitigate the spread with a mandate requiring a quarantine for Louisiana travelers coming into the Lone Star State. Louisiana State Police Trooper Dustin Dwight says Louisiana travelers need to fill out a form from Texas Department of Public Safety before embarking on their trip.

Cut 7 (10) “…14-day quarantine station.”

Legal ramifications have come down on Rev. Tony Spell, the pastor at the helm of the Life Tabernacle Church in Central that has repeatedly defied the Governor’s ban on large gatherings with congregations regularly exceeding 1,100.  Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran says Spell was charged with six counts of violation of the emergency order.

Cut 10 (11) “…him this week.”

AARP Louisiana is holding a Telephone Town Hall Meeting Wednesday to answer seniors concerns about the coronavirus. State Director Denise Bottcher says Dr. Benjamin Springgate with LSU Health Sciences will be on the call to answer health-related questions.

Cut 3 (10)  “… be doing”  

A Central pastor is charged with six counts of violating of the Governor’s emergency order after continuing to hold services with congregations of over 11-hundred people.  Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

The Louisiana Health Department reports over 12-hundred new cases and 54 additional deaths to bring the total COVID 19 cases to 5,237 and 239 deaths. The Governor plans to extend his stay at home order to April 30^th.

Legislators returned to the state capitol today, introduced some bills and left about an hour later and it’s unclear when they’ll return. The 2020 legislative session must conclude by June 1st and a budget must be approved by July 1st. The chambers were not full as the legislators present practiced social distancing.  House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says at this point it’s better to be flexible on a return date

Cut 15 (08)“…to work.”

AARP Louisiana is holding a Telephone Town Hall Meeting tomorrow to answer seniors’ concerns about the coronavirus. State Director Denise Bottcher says they wanted to hold it call for not just members but everyone, especially people in outlying areas of the state, to make sure they are aware of resources during this critical period.

Cut 5 (11)  “…they are.”

Texas tightens restrictions on travelers from Louisiana.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________

A Central pastor is charged with six counts of violation of the Governor’s emergency order after continuing to hold services with congregations of over 1,100.  Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________

AARP Louisiana is holding a Telephone Town Hall Meeting Wednesday to answer seniors concerns about the coronavirus. State Director Denise Bottcher says Dr. Benjamin Springgate with LSU Health Sciences will be on the call to answer health-related questions.

Cut 3 (10)  “… be doing”  

Bottcher says LaVonda Dobbs of 211 will also be on the call to speak about services that are available to seniors.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…SNAP benefits.”

Bottcher says they wanted to hold the Telephone Town Hall for not just members but everyone, especially people in outlying areas of the state, to make sure they are aware of resources during this critical period

Cut 5 (11)  “…they are.”

The call is open for anyone to participate in. To do so you call 1-877-229-8493. It will take place at 10:10 am.

__________________________________________

Due to Louisiana’s hotbed of COVID-19 cases, Texas’s Governor is attempting to mitigate the spread with a mandate requiring a quarantine for Louisiana travelers coming into the Lone Star State. Louisiana State Police Trooper Dustin Dwight says the mandate does not close the border.

Cut 6 (07) “…roadway in Louisiana.”

The 14 days will be done at a quarantine station of the traveler’s choosing and they can only leave for medical treatment. Travelers can also quit the quarantine any time they want and head back to Louisiana.

Dwight says Louisiana travelers need to fill out a form from Texas Department of Public Safety before embarking on their trip.

Cut 7 (10) “…14-day quarantine station.”

Dwight says anyone who has a previously scheduled medical trip along with a few other exemption statuses can skip the quarantine.

Cut 8 (09) “…apply to them.”

Dwight adds that he has not heard about any checkpoints at the Texas line.

____________________________________________________

Legal ramifications have come down on Rev. Tony Spell, the pastor at the helm of the Life Tabernacle Church in Central that has repeatedly defied the Governor’s ban on large gatherings with congregations regularly exceeding 1,100.  Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran says Spell has now been summoned.

Cut 9 (10) “…give his fingerprint.″

Spell has not been jailed for his actions.  Corcoran says they’ve tried to give Spell warnings before and attempted to resolve the manner by other means throughout the week.

Cut 10 (11) “…him this week.”

Corcoran says the public’s health and safety should priority number one and Spell’s continued actions were directly working against that.

Cut 11 (11) “…spread this virus.”

Another service is still on the schedule for Tuesday night.

________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards plans to extend his stay at home order until April 30th, which means schools will remain closed for at least the next month. The academic year is scheduled to be completed in May. Edwards says acting state superintendent Beth Scioneaux is working to develop a plan

Cut 12 (10) “…of things”

The Advocate reports that a survey finds that 39 of Louisiana’s 69 school districts are offering online instruction.

The state has already waived standardized tests for this year, but what if school does not resume this year. How can you decide if a child should be promoted to the next grade or if they are eligible to graduate high school?  Edwards says the state department of education is trying to figure out those questions…

Cut 13 (07) “…young people”

______________________________________________________

Legislators returned to the state capitol today, introduced some bills and left about an hour later. It’s unclear when they’ll return. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says because of the uncertainty around the COVID-19 outbreak, they are not setting a return date

Cut 14 (11) “…come back”

The 2020 legislative session must conclude by June 1st and a budget must be approved by July 1st. The House and Senate chambers were not full today and the legislators present practiced social distancing. Schexnayder says at this point it’s better to keep flexible on a return date

Cut 15 (08)“…to work.”

Texas tightens restrictions on travelers from Louisiana.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

____________________________

A Central pastor is charged with six counts of violation of the Governor’s emergency order after continuing to hold services with congregations of over 1,100.  Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________

AARP Louisiana is holding a Telephone Town Hall Meeting Wednesday to answer seniors concerns about the coronavirus. State Director Denise Bottcher says Dr. Benjamin Springgate with LSU Health Sciences will be on the call to answer health-related questions.

Cut 3 (10)  “… be doing”  

Bottcher says LaVonda Dobbs of 211 will also be on the call to speak about services that are available to seniors.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…SNAP benefits.”

Bottcher says they wanted to hold the Telephone Town Hall for members not just members but everyone, especially people in outlying areas of the state, to make sure they are aware of resources during this critical period

Cut 5 (11)  “…they are.”

The call is open for anyone to participate in. To do so you call 1-877-229-8493. It will take place at 10:10 am.

__________________________________________

Due to Louisiana’s hotbed of COVID-19 cases, Texas’s Governor is attempting to mitigate the spread with a mandate requiring a quarantine for Louisiana travelers coming into the Lone Star State. Louisiana State Police Trooper Dustin Dwight says the mandate does not close the border.

Cut 6 (07) “…roadway in Louisiana.”

The 14 days will be done at a quarantine station of the traveler’s choosing and they can only leave for medical treatment. Travelers can also quit the quarantine any time they want and head back to Louisiana.

Dwight says Louisiana travelers need to fill out a form from Texas Department of Public Safety before embarking on their trip.

Cut 7 (10) “…14-day quarantine station.”

Dwight says anyone who has a previously scheduled medical trip along with a few other exemption statuses can skip the quarantine.

Cut 8 (09) “…apply to them.”

Dwight adds that he has not heard about any checkpoints at the Texas line.

____________________________________________________

Legal ramifications have come down on Rev. Tony Spell, the pastor at the helm of the Life Tabernacle Church in Central that has repeatedly defied the Governor’s ban on large gatherings with congregations regularly exceeding 1,100.  Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran says Spell has now been summoned.

Cut 9 (10) “…give his fingerprint.″

Spell has not been jailed for his actions.  Corcoran says they’ve tried to give Spell warnings before and attempted to resolve the manner by other means throughout the week.

Cut 10 (11) “…him this week.”

Corcoran says the public’s health and safety should priority number one and Spell’s continued actions were directly working against that.

Cut 11 (11) “…spread this virus.”

Another service is still on the schedule for Tuesday night.

________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards plans to extend his stay at home order until April 30th, which means schools will remain closed for at least the next month. The academic year is scheduled to be completed in May. Edwards says acting state superintendent Beth Scioneaux is working to develop a plan

Cut 12 (10) “…of things”

The Advocate reports that a survey finds that 39 of Louisiana’s 69 school districts are offering online instruction.

The state has already waived standardized tests for this year, but what if school does not resume this year. How can you decide if a child should be promoted to the next grade or if they are eligible to graduate high school?  Edwards says the state department of education is trying to figure out those questions…

Cut 13 (07) “…young people”

______________________________________________________

Legislators returned to the state capitol today, introduced some bills and left about an hour later. It’s unclear when they’ll return. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says because of the uncerainity around the COVID-19 outbreak, they are not setting a return date

Cut 14 (11) “…come back”

The 2020 legislative session must conclude by June 1st and a budget must be approved by July 1st. The House and Senate chambers were not full today and the legislators present practiced social distancing. Schexnayder says at this point it’s better to keep flexible on a return date

Cut 15 (08)“…to work.”

______________________________________________________

Cut 16  (12)  …so forth” 

________________________________

A Pentecostal Pastor in Central has been issued a summons after repeatedly holding services of over a thousand people in defiance of the Governor’s shelter in place order. Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran says the public’s health and safety should priority number one and Tony Spell’s continued actions were directly working against that.

Cut 11 (11) “…spread this virus.”

Another service is still on the schedule for tonight.

Legislators returned to the state capitol today, introduced some bills and left about an hour later. It’s unclear when they’ll return. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder says because of the uncertainty around the COVID-19 outbreak, they are not setting a return date

Cut 14 (11) “…come back”

The 2020 legislative session must conclude by June 1st and a budget must be approved by July 1st. 

Due to Louisiana’s hotbed of COVID-19 cases, Texas’s Governor is attempting to mitigate the spread with a mandate requiring a quarantine for Louisiana travelers coming into the Lone Star State. Louisiana State Police Trooper Dustin Dwight says the mandate does not close the border.

Cut 6 (07) “…roadway in Louisiana.”

The 14 days will be done at a quarantine station of the traveler’s choosing and they can only leave for medical treatment. Travelers can also quit the quarantine any time they want and head back to Louisiana.

AARP Louisiana is holding a Telephone Town Hall Meeting Wednesday to answer seniors concerns about the coronavirus. State Director Denise Bottcher says LaVonda Dobbs of 211 will also be on the call to speak about services that are available to seniors.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…SNAP benefits.”

The call takes place at 10:10 AM

Legal ramifications have come down on Rev. Tony Spell, the pastor at the helm of the Life Tabernacle Church in Central that has repeatedly defied the Governor’s ban on large gatherings.  Central Police Chief Roger Corcoran (Cork oh ran)  says Spell has now been summoned.

Cut 9 (10) “…give his fingerprint.″

AARP Louisiana is holding a Telephone Town Hall Meeting Wednesday to answer seniors concerns about the coronavirus. State Director Denise Bottcher says Dr. Benjamin Springgate with LSU Health Sciences will answer health-related questions and LaVonda Dobbs of 211 will also be on the call to speak about services that are available to seniors across the state.

Cut 4 (09)_ “…SNAP benefits.”

The latest numbers from The Louisiana Health Department reports over 12-hundred new cases and 54 additional deaths to bring our total COVID 19 cases to 5,237 and 239 deaths. Governor John Bel Edwards says since the state is showing no signs of flattening the curve, he plans to extend the stay at home order to April 30th.

Texas tightens restrictions on travelers from Louisiana.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

The Louisiana Health Department reports over 12-hundred new cases and 54 additional deaths to bring our total COVID 19 cases to 5,237 and 239 deaths. Since the state is showing no signs of flattening the curve, Governor John Bel Edwards plans to extend his stay at home order beyond April 13th to April 30th…
cut 10 (11) “…are on”

Starting today all food stamp recipients in Louisiana will automatically receive the maximum benefit, which will impact 265-thousand households in Louisiana. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says work requirements and interviews with caseworkers are also being waived…
cut 25 (05) “…about that”
Walters says many food stamp recipients should see their snap cards uploaded with additional benefits tonight and it will be loaded again on April 17th.

Texas is requring that Louisiana residents who come into their state self quarantine for 14 days. Louisiana State Police Trooper Dustin Dwight says the 14 days will be done at a quarantine station of the traveler’s choosing and there’s a form you can fill out with the Texas Department of Public Safety…
cut 7 (10) “…14-day quarantine station”
Dwight says this order does not prohibit or limit a motorists’ ability to travel into Texas for scheduled medical treatment.

AARP Louisiana is holding a Telephone Town Hall Meeting Wednesday to answer senior’s concerns about the coronavirus. State Director Denise Bottcher says Dr. Benjamin Springgate with LSU Health Sciences will be on the call to answer health-related questions.
Cut 3 (10) “… be doing”
To participate, call 1-877-229-8493 the call will take place as 10:10 am.

The statewide shelter in place order has been extended to April 30^th following a similar federal extension of social distancing recommendations. This means schools will remain closed at least until May, leading to tough questions like how can you decide if a child should be promoted to the next grade? Governor Edwards says the state department of education is trying to figure out those questions…

Cut 13 (07) “…young people”

The Advocate reports that a survey finds that 39 of Louisiana’s 69 school districts are offering online instruction.

Texas’s Governor is attempting to mitigate coronavirus spread in his state by requiring visitors from Louisiana quarantine themselves upon entry, but Louisiana State Police Trooper Dustin Dwight says the mandate does not close the border.

Cut 6 (07) “…roadway in Louisiana.”

______________________________

Testing will soon begin on the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets in combatting COVID-19…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Lawmakers are back at the Capitol today to read in bills before adjourning until further notice, with a reported 58 of the 108 House members present, most of the absentees being from the New Orleans area. 37-year-old Baton Rouge Representative Ted James is also not in attendance and hospitalized with pneumonia stemming from a COVID-19 infection. James posted on social media that he hopes his case is a reminder for people of all ages to stay home.

Testing will soon begin in Louisiana on whether hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat COVID-19 patients or if it can be used as a preventive measure for healthcare workers on the frontline. Dean of LSU Health Sciences School of Medicine Dr. Steve Nelson says the drug has been shown in a test tube to kill coronavirus, but there has only been a small number of clinical trials.
Cut 7 (11) “…a small number.”

The governor’s office announced late yesterday afternoon that the state received 100 ventilators from vendors on Monday and President Trump has committed to sending 150 more ventilators to Louisiana. Currently, 385 patients require ventilation, but the state has requested 14-thousand ventilators.

Governor John Bel Edwards plans to extend his stay at home order until April 30th, which means schools will remain closed for at least the next month. The academic year is scheduled to be completed in May. Edwards says acting state superintendent Beth Scioneaux is working to develop a plan…
cut 12 (10) “…of things”

The 2020 legislative session remains on hold, but lawmakers will meet briefly today. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”